The Tesla Semi is expected to compete in the "local route" segment of trucking, which means it will have no sleeping berth or other accoutrements found on long-haul trucks. Tesla looks to target transportation companies that operate fleets of smaller trucks that run along fixed routes in a relatively confined geographic area, rather than interstate routes that can take several days. This approach, if officially confirmed, makes sense for the Tesla Semi given the state of electric vehicle technology -- fleets of trucks will essentially need their own charger infrastructure at their fleet home to operate, which means they'll have to recharge at their home base just about every day.

Industry analysts point out that, even if the Tesla Semi goes into production, there's still the question of charger infrastructure, which is enough of a problem even for passenger cars. It's clear that, in most circumstances, electric trucks won't be able to use existing chargers simply because it will be difficult for the trucks to occupy parking spots meant for electric cars. Companies that purchase fleets of trucks will need to rely on their own chargers, limiting the variety of routes such trucks will be able to service.

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Another big impediment that Tesla will need to address is the cost of the trucks and their batteries. Reuters points out regional diesel trucks currently cost around $120,000. To be commercially viable, the Tesla Semi will need to balance the cost of the truck and the battery against diesel competitors, while trying to deliver a workable range that will make regional truck fleet owners sit up and notice. The cost and weight of batteries has been a constant issue of balance for EV makers; a huge battery is certainly possible for a longer range, but at what cost to the weight and price of the truck?

Tesla hasn't published power specs for the Semi just yet -- they're expected to be revealed along with the truck next month -- and it hasn't confirmed Reuters' report of the truck's range.

Earlier this month, Reuters reported Tesla wants to start testing trucks with autonomous systems in Nevada, which has hosted autonomous truck prototypes on its roads for at least a couple of years, with the aim of testing "platooning" capabilities that will allow several trucks to travel in a closely spaced convoy. Platooning is expected to be a stepping stone for autonomous trucks, allowing one truck to lead others operating in an autonomous mode either with or without drivers.

As for the Semi itself, Tesla hopes to start large scale production within a couple of years.